What little thing would you miss if you did not have it?

Sometimes it is the small luxuries that are the biggest blessings.  The other day I was struck with gratefulness for HOT WATER.  In the middle of my morning shower on a cold day, I was reminded that this was a gift from my loving God–hot water.  What a treat for sore muscles or cold feet.  I was awakened to the reality that this is truly a luxury that I should not, but do, take for granted.  I thanked the Lord for the blessing of a warm shower, and asked Him to help me not take for granted any gift that He gives me.

Later that day, as I was spending time with our granddaughter from Tennessee, I had another heart-opener with hot water.  Nyah, almost 6, had come to spend the night after our Thanksgiving gathering.  A trip to the NC Museum of Art was the order of the day. On our way back home I took her to get some gelato–Italian ice cream.  This is becoming a tradition of joy for us. She chose her flavors and I ordered coffee for myself, after sampling the SWEET goodness.  One of my favorite things about drinking coffee is the fact that it comes in HOT WATER.  Nyah’s little hands were cold, and mine were warm on the diner-style cup.  I showed her how to place her hands around the thick white glass and let the warmth from the coffee spread through her fingers.  She loved it and I was thankful again for God’s gift of hot water.

James 1:7 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

God delights in giving us gifts and we should delight in thanking Him.  It is God’s nature to give, and give abundantly.  God’s best gift to us is His Son.

Ephesians 1:7-8 reminds us that, “In Him (Jesus Christ), we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.”

Don’t you love that word, “lavish?”  It is an apt description of God’s goodness, forgiveness, and provision for us, His children.

In this holiday season, ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of the blessings that surround you.  The everyday luxuries that we enjoy are gifts for which we should be thankful. Some of them cannot be bought, but are priceless.  Ask God how you can bless someone else with something priceless and wonderful; sharing His abundant love in the process. As you celebrate Christmas, let your own thankfulness to God be the catalyst and wellspring for gifts to those you love, and to those that God sends your way.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15

Lord, I ask your forgiveness for not noticing the gifts that you so freely give me.  I pray that you would open my eyes to your love and generosity.  Help me not take what you have given me for granted.  Give me the grace to share your love with my family, and to those that you bring into my life.  Help me to be alert to your invitation to share my blessings.  May my hope in you be obvious and contagious. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Now, with a thankful heart, go smile at someone, and share some hope, —and hot water.

Beth Stanfield

Beth is a long-time member of Christian Assembly Church in Durham, NC. She and Jim have four children and almost (!) seven grandchildren. Beth loves her family and God’s people, and delights when they overlap.

She makes time for quilting, Carolina Hurricanes Hockey, their Pug, Annika, and driving to see grandchildren. Naming Psalm 16:11 her favorite Scripture, she is convinced that Jesus’ mercies are new every morning and there is great joy in His presence.